Hewitt challenged Nadal from the start at the small private club by the bank of the River Thames, forcing the Spaniard to save two break points in the first game before holding serve.

The former top-ranked Australian then managed to break to love for a 3-2 lead after three unforced errors from Nadal, and held his next service game to love behind a barrage of aces.

Nadal frequently muttered to himself in Spanish after missing shots, and often had to rely on his topspin forehand to bail him out of trouble.

Nadal had his first break point in the first game of the second set, but Hewitt saved it with a service winner. Nadal set up another break point at 2-2 with a good forehand volley, but Hewitt made a forehand winner down the line before holding.

Hewitt then broke again for a decisive 4-3 lead after Nadal sent a forehand long, and the Australian converted his second match point after Nadal sent a lunging backhand long as well.